All you need to know about aquaplaning

One of the key roles of a tyre is to drain water off the contact patch when driving on wet roads.

How is aquaplaning produced?

Aquaplaning takes place when water separates the tread of the tyre from the road. it gathers insides the tread depth and creates a layer. When pressure is so high that water is no longer drained, the tyre loses contact with the road. It becomes nearly impossible to stay in control of the vehicle.

What are the causes of aquaplaning ?

One of the main causes leading to aquaplaning is the extent to which the tyre is worn out. The shallower the tread pattern, the harder it becomes to drain water off. Contact with the road decreases progressively which makes the car liable to aquaplaning when braking, accelerating, etc

A step by step approach to aquaplaning

Step 1Moderate rain, steady speed : the risks of aquaplaning are limited. Water dispersal is done efficiently and contact with the road is optimal.

Step 2Low drainage, High speed, the quantiy of water on the road increases The tyre is now facing difficulties to drain water off.

Step 3The tread is flooded, a thick layer of water gathers between the road and the contact patch, grip is lost and the car starts sliding.

The risks of underinflation

Underinflated tyres significantly increase the risk of aquaplaning.

Tyre pressure

Speed

Explanation

2.4 bar (35psi)

60miles/h

The tread ( in dark in the picture) is completely in contact with the road.

2.4 bar (35 psi)

60miles/h

The contact patch is reduced but water drainage is efficiently carried out thanks to the tread depth .

2 bar (30 psi)

60miles/h

The contact patch is reduced, heightened risks of aquaplaning.

1.7 bar (25 psi)

60miles/h

Water gathers under the tyre, contact with the road is practically inexistant, control of the car is lost.

* The information gathered on this site is collected and processed by AD Tyres in line with its processing responsibilities. The symbol (*) indicates that the information concerned must be provided for your order to go through. You have the right to access, to rectify, and to request the deletion and the portability of this data, and the right to oppose its processing or to demand that this processing be limited. When you consent to the processing of this data, you have the right to withdraw this consent at any time. To exercise these rights, you can contact AD Tyres either by email at the address cm@adtyre.com or using the contact form here. For further information: Confidentiality charter, Cookies.